10. Civic Air Patrol

Civil Air Patrol

Shorthand: CAP; USAF AuxiliaryFounded: 1941Membership Requirements: Open to all U.S. citizens and resident aliens. “Senior” members must be over age 18. “Cadet” members may be aged 12 to 18.Raison d’etre: The Civil Air Patrol is the all-volunteer official auxiliary to the U.S. Air Force.Background & Benefits: Created just six days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, CAP today offers just about anyone the opportunity to learn more about aviation and aerospace. The group’s Aerospace Education Program provides aviation education for its members and includes formal courses on all aspects of aviation. Ever wanted to learn to fly? CAP is a great place to get started.